Paper number 538

COMPARISON OF CONTINUOUS AND PULSE LASER MODES USING A CO2 LASER TO DEVELOP SURFACE MMCS IN TITANIUM ALLOYS

C. Hu , J.G.Sirgo and T. N. Baker

Metallurgy and Engineering Materials Group
Department of Mechanical Engineering
University of Strathclyde, Glasgow UK

Summary

The formation of surface Ti/SiC and Ti//ZrC MMCs on a laser nitrided Ti-6Al-4V alloy using either a continuous or a pulse laser were investigated and compared. It was found that the microstructure, the MMC hardness profiles and the abrasive wear resistance of the MMC layer produced, were strongly influenced by the laser mode, as well as the beam power and the specimen velocity. The limitations of the pulse laser for the conditions explored and the advantages of the continuous laser, particularly in respect of the resultant abrasive wear resistance , are discussed.

Keywords

surface nitrided-MMC, CO2 laser, continuous and pulse modes, titanium alloy, melt profiles, hardness and wear resistance.